Flights to Washington

Flights to Washington DC deliver you to the seat of the US government. The president calls the shots from the White House, while Congress works just around the corner and the Supreme Court just a few blocks further way.

And then there are the monuments. Who could fail to be inspired by the Lincoln Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial or the Arlington National Cemetery? Close to the cemetery you’ll find the Iwo Jima Memorial (also known as the Marine Corps War Memorial), a bronze sculpture that is one of the most memorable landmarks in the city.

In the past, Washington DC had a reputation for being conservative, but that has changed in recent decades, thanks to an influx of young professionals and an ever-more-exciting downtown, with cool areas to explore such as Chinatown. Although power brokers remain, filling many of the luxury hotels and fine dining spots, DC’s youthful energy has strongly injected itself into the city, forming an undercurrent of hip restaurants, trendy hotels and hidden lounges.

But above all, it’s the historical institutions that draw visitors to Washington time and time again. It's impossible not to be affected by the exhibitions on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History or the National Archives – visit the latter to see the Declaration of Independence.

Then there’s the ever-impressive Washington Monument, as well as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, where visitors still leave tributes on an almost daily basis. You could spend a week in Washington and not begin to cover everything – and that's a good thing.

What to do in Washington

Visit the National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery tells the story of America through the medium of portraiture. You'll find portraits of every single American president – the only such collection outside of the White House – along with images of the country's most important pioneers, judges, civil rights advocates, and more.

8th and F Streets NW
20001
+1 202 633 8300

Visit the National Museum of Women in the Arts

This art museum is notable for being the only one in the world that focuses solely on women. It has a collection of more than 3,000 works by artists including Mary Cassatt, Frida Kahlo, and Alma Thomas. You’ll find modern works as well as classics dating back as far as the16th century, creating an impressive history.

1250 New York Avenue NW
20005
+1 202 783 5000

See the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

This memorial is Maya Lin's stunning ode to the more than 58,000 men and women who lost their lives during the conflict in Vietnam. It's at the west end of the Mall, just across the Reflecting Pool from the Korean War Veterans Memorial.

5 Henry Bacon Drive NW
+1 202 426 6841

Where to eat in Washington

Founding Farmers (Organic)

With a name like that, you know you're in for a good time. The farm-to-table restaurant shakes off the quiet of the surrounding area, playfully entertaining its guests with fun decor and food that tastes fresh off the farm.

1924 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
20006
+1 202 822 8783

The Red Hen (Italian)

This Italian-influenced venue has a wood-fired grill and a large painting of a rooster. Most of the city's best restaurants are clustered to the east and south, but The Red Hen stands alone in historic Bloomingdale for a reason: it's just that good.

1822 1st Street NW
20001
+1 202 525 3021

The Partisan (American)

Stop here for a quick bite between sightseeing on the National Mall. The Partisan focuses on cured meats, making it an excellent spot to share more than 30 types of charcuterie.

709 D Street NW
20004
+1 202 524 5322

Places to stay in Washington

The Jefferson

The Jefferson is less than a mile away from the White House, but even the United States president might be jealous of your stay. The 95-room five-star boutique hotel is well worth the price, both for its extravagant luxury and its prime location.

1200 16th Street NW
20036
+1 202 448 2300

The Hay-Adams

Beautiful and regal, just not as much as its near neighbour the White House, this luxury spot on the northern side of Lafayette Square is elegant with Old World charm. You might see the city’s power players in the dining area on the way to your room.

800 16th Street NW
20006
+1 202 638 6600

International House of Washington

With so much to see and do in the city, sometimes you’ll just want an easy and affordable place to rest your head and store your bags; step forward International House of Washington in Chinatown. The price is right at this laidback hostel, which welcomes international students and travellers from all over the world.

1110 6th Street NW
20001
+1 202 650 9173

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Articles from Open Skies

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The new man in Washington has one of the most important jobs on the planet, and it has accumulated numerous quirks, traditions and privileges over the years. Here’s what lies ahead for Donald Trump in the US capital...Read more Being President, Washington DC

Most popular destinations from Washington (IAD)

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